UA Days Opening Extravaganza Focuses on Ukraine's Cultural Heritage

On Monday 5 June 2023, the UA Days Opening Night: Extravaganza took place at the Tramsschapp cultural centre in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg, attracting a full house of 200 people.

The UA Days event is an annual event that is focussed on Ukrainian heritage to show the beauty, wealth and depth of the country, its heritage. The 2023 celebrations feature music concerts and cinema screenings, fashion shows and art exhibitions, literature evenings and culinary tastings. In addition, guests will not only discover products and brands, but will also learn more about the historical and cultural background of Ukraine. Each activity is hosted by a different museum, gallery or cultural centre.

The Opening Night Extravaganza by Oleksandr Teterin presented a universe of mythical creatures - characters from The Forest Song, a fantasy play written by Lesya Ukrainka in 1911. It included a mythological photo exhibition comprising a dozen illustrated panels, as well as a video projected onto a large screen depicting images and scenery from across Ukraine, from castles, fortresses and lakes to universities and city centres, as well as agriculture, wildlife, the environment and technology.

LUkraine President Nicolas Zharov and Vice-President Inna Yaremenko coordinated the event, with special guests attending including the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, Fleur Thomas, the Head of Representation of the European Commission to Luxembourg, Anne Calteux, the Chargée d'affaires a.i. of Ukraine to Belgium and Luxembourg, Natalia Anoshyna, the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Luxembourg, Claude Radoux, and others.

Nicolas Zharov, LUkraine President, stated that the occasion xxx immense political significance, one of great cultural exchange and resilience. "Culture has always acted as a powerful glue... bridging gaps between countries" he stated, continuing to explain that the event shows the "true Ukraine". He referenced many acts of solidarity during 2022; now it is time to share Ukraine's rich cultural tapestry. He explained that it us not just an exhibition, but a statement, helping to keep the country free and alive.

Inna Yaremenko, LUkraine Vice-President, talked about Ukrainian artists. She explained that Ukrainian culture has been oppressed but has a unique character. She talked about the huge damage caused by Russia to cultural centres, museums and monuments, etc., that will take a long time to fix. However, this and other exhibitions are helping to spread Ukrainian culture and heritage throughout the world. She concluded by thanking the team behind the event.

Anne Calteux stated how much those living in Luxembourg care for Ukraine. She said that we should remain strong and continue to show solidarity together as the war will go on for many months yet. She praised the exhibition and, however the war will continue, Ukraine's culture will remain strong and will live on despite everything. She talked briefly about the future, Ukraine and the EU standing together, shoulder to shoulder.

Natalia Anoshyna, , thanked Nicolas and Inna for their extraordinary effort in organising the exhibition. She talked about the war being not only fought in the battlefield, but by trying to destroy its culture too. She stressed that the physical attacks on the country are against its identity. She says that Luxembourg can now see the beauty of the country through the exhibition.

Following the welcome speeches, the event continued with an hour-long violin concert by Vasyl Popaduik in which he interpreted a range of musical scores and styles from classical to folk, receiving a standing ovation and calls for encores, short poetry readings in French, a branded merchandise zone and a buffet dinner of finger food and small dishes of Ukrainian specialities.

The UA Days 2023 are from 30 May to 15 June at various venues throughout the Grand Duchy (for full details, see www.uadays.lu).